The military leadership in Burkina Faso has chosen to cut diplomatic ties with France as of June 26, citing “continuous actions” by France that oppose its interests, according to reports from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo criticized France for not adhering to the principles of non-interference and mutual respect.
The relationship between Ouagadougou and its former colonial ruler has worsened since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in a coup in September 2022. Since then, the regime has adopted a sovereignist stance, marked by suppression of dissenters and a confrontational approach towards the West, particularly France.
“The government of Burkina Faso announces to the national and international public that it has made the decision to break off diplomatic relations with the French Republic, effective June 26, 2026,” stated an announcement aired on national media yesterday.
The military government denounced “the present regime in France’s active efforts against Burkina Faso’s interests, along with the neocolonial ambitions manifested through support for subversive networks and terrorists destabilizing the country and the Sahel region.”
France expressed its “regret” over the military authorities’ decision, which it labeled as “hostile and unwarranted.” The French foreign ministry highlighted this as “indicative of a troubling trend by Burkina Faso authorities,” and mentioned that “essential countermeasures are being considered.”
Burkina Faso, a secluded nation in the Sahel, has faced jihadist attacks by armed groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State for a decade, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and forced millions to flee.
The junta’s statement notes that this move “significantly impacts the diplomatic relations framework between the two nations.” It emphasizes that this decision “does not question the historical, human, cultural, and social bonds between the peoples of Burkina Faso and France,” reaffirming “its commitment to protecting citizens.”
Leave a Reply